A Publication of Blackshear Place Baptist Church

What’s InsideThe Life & Ministry of Blackshear PlaceI ’M COMMITTED

MEN’S NIGHT WITH TAILGATE CONTEST

REACHING GENERATION NOW UPDATE

2011 MISSION ADVENTURES RELEASED

EXCITING CHILDREN’S EVENTS

LADIES NIGHT OUT

winter 2011

F I R S T B A P T I S T C H U R C H W O O D S T O C KT H U R S D A Y , M A R C H 1 0 – F R I D A Y , M A R C H 1 1

Are you tired of doing Bible Fellowship the same old way? Do you want to take your class to the Next Level? Join Pastor Jeff and the church staff for a two-day conference designedto inform, equip, and motivate our Bible Fellowship leaders to effectively carry out ministryfor all ages. We’ll hear from transformational leaders Johnny Hunt, Allan Taylor, and Ed Stetzer as well as speakers specializing in each age division.Registration fee is $70, which includes Thursday dinner and Friday lunch, and the deadline

to register is Feb. 1. For more information or to register for the conference, contact theBible Fellowship Office or your director or division pastor. Scholarships may also be available through your division on a first come, first served basis.

4 } Pastor’s Letter5 } Men’s Night6&7 } I’m Committed8&9 } Reaching Generation Now10 } Mission Adventures 11 } Children’s Activities12 } Women’s Ministry13 } Life @ Blackshear Place14 } Student Ministry15 } Life @ Blackshear Place

thelistWays for you to Connect, Grow & Serve at Blackshear Place

are highlighted in this issue of the Impact Magazine.

page

5

pages

6&7

page 10

page 11

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12

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page14

BackCover

ScheduleSunday Family Worship Hours8:08, 9:30, 11:00 am & 6:00 pm

Bible Fellowship Classes8:00 am, 9:30 am & 11:00 am

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S TA F F D I R E C T O R YJeff W. CrookSENIOR PASTOR

Scott A. CrookASSOCIATE PASTORscrook@bpbc.com

PASTORS

Aaron BennettMIDDLE SCHOOL/COLLEGE MINISTRYabennett@bpbc.comRob BrittonWORSHIP MINISTRYrbritton@bpbc.comDave ChannellPASTORAL CARE/MATURING FAMILIESdchannell@bpbc.comSterling LynnHIGH SCHOOL/SINGLES MINISTRYslynn@bpbc.comChristopher MartinADMINISTRATION cmartin@bpbc.comJason NavePASTORAL/MISSIONS MINISTRYjnave@bpbc.comKevin RossYOUNG & GROWING FAMILIES MINISTRYkross@bpbc.comGrady SuttonCHURCH PROGRAMMINGgsutton@bpbc.comDan YoungCHILDREN’S MINISTRYdyoung@bpbc.com

DIRECTORS

Jenny BretherickRECREATION MINISTRYjbretherick@bpbc.comJennifer CobbsPRESCHOOL MINISTRYjcobbs@bpbc.comJoe CollierFACILITIESjcollier@bpbc.comColette MillettFINANCEcmillett@bpbc.comStephen OdumCOMMUNICATIONSsodum@bpbc.comSarah RigdonWOMENS & GIRLS MINISTRYsrigdon@bpbc.com

>

pages

8&9

Pastor,sLetterAn Excit-

ing20ElevenAwaits

Us

2011 THEME :: COMMITTEDGod is clear on the subject of commitment — He expects it, and He blesses it. Are you

committed? Will you make a new commitment in the New Year to join your churchfamily in embracing and living out our theme? I am specifically challenging us to expressour commitment in the following ways:

You will see in this issue of the Impact and hear in our weekend services how you can personally express your commitment to Jesus and His church at Blackshear Place. Getready to be blessed!

2011 TEACHING :: DANIELWe begin an exciting study from the Book ofDaniel in 2011. I am looking forward to teaching our church family this captivating OldTestament book in each of our three Sunday morning services beginning on Sunday, Feb-ruary 20. Will you commit to be present each week and bring a friend to hear God’s Word?When we hear God’s Word and obey God’s Word, our lives will never be the same.

2011 TRAVEL :: ISRAELIt’s been a few years since I have led a trip to theHoly Land to walk where Jesus walked. We have atentative Israel trip scheduled for August 29 – September 7. If you are interested in goingwith me and Becky, call the Office of the Pastor for specific details and pricing. It will besuch a personal joy for us to travel with you to such a special place — a trip of a lifetime!

Committed Now More Than Ever, Pastor Jeff

4 Blackshear Place Baptist Church

Pastor Jeff & Becky Crook

This is true in our Christian life asmuch as in our secular activities. Wekeep doing so much that we neglect therelationship with the Lord Jesus that isthe essence of the Spirit-filled life. Living

in a relationship with Jesusoften requires as much useof a “stop doing” list as a

“to do” list. It means unplugging all sortsof junk to focus with a steadfast commit-ment to the simple Christian practicesthat stoke the fire of our love relationshipwith our Lord and King.

That is what 2011 at Blackshear Placeis all about. It’s a clarion call to stopdoing some things in order to focus onsome other all-important things. It’s acall to a new level of commitment toconnect, grow, and serve.

When I say, “COMMITTED,” Ithink of words such as: devotion, faith-fulness, endurance, perseverance, andthe list goes on. For 2011, when we say“COMMITTED,” we want to think ofpassages like Proverbs 16:3, “Commit tothe LORD whatever you do.” We want2011 to be a year COMMITTED tothe Lord Jesus. A commitment such asthis is a rare and wonderful thing, andwe hunger for this to be evidentthroughout our Blackshear Place family.A commitment centered in Christ; a lifethat “…stands strong, always givingyourself fully to the work of the Lord” (1Corinthians 15:58).

GROW DEEPERNow, commitment to the Lord Jesusneeds focus and direction. And we havecome up with four simple statements tofuel this passion. First, we are calling forall of us to be committed to grow deeperby spending time with God each day. Adaily time to talk to the Lord in prayerand to allow Him to speak to us throughhis Word is essential to building a pas-sionate relationship. To help facilitatethis, we are offering Word of Life familydevotionals. These materials can beordered through the church and willprovide a central Bible study for everyage level in our homes. Imagine how ourrelationship will grow with the Lord andwith one another as we all study God’sWord together each day. Below is alisting of the materials being offered andhow they break down for each age level.

Early Learners Quiet Time Ë(Ages 4-6) $18Each vibrant, full-color pagecontains a daily Scripturepassage, an exciting andeducational application activ-ity, and an age-appropriate prayerrequest. It includes a how-to-sectionfor parents.

DO YOU HAVE A “TO DO” LIST? DO YOU ALSO HAVE A “STOP DOING” LIST?

Let’s face it; most of us live busy, congested lives. We’re constantlyrunning to and fro in an undisciplined frenzy. We keep doingand doing and doing and doing more; and rarely get a lot done.

GRADY SUTTON, Church Programming

6 Blackshear Place Baptist Church

Grades 1-2Quiet Time

$18 Ë

Grades 3-4 Á Quiet Time $18

Grades 5-6 Quiet Time $18 Ë

These tools will helpyour child develop ahealthy discipline of dailyBible study and prayer. Children canjoin the rest of the family in learningbiblical truths while enjoying age-appropriate puzzles, mazes, andother activities created just forthem.

Students Quiet Time $18Ë

Students can start theday off right with thissimple, yet understand-able format of Scripture reading andpersonal application, with the DailySupplement to help explain eachday’s passage. It features a prayerjournal and a Bible-reading scheduleto challenge young people to greaterspiritual growth.

Adults Quiet Time with Commentary $20Ë

This expanded versionintegrates the dailyScripture passage withpractical biblical insights. In additionto the commentary, the book featuresa Bible-reading schedule and a prayerguide.

GIVE BOLDERSecond, we are calling for a renewed

commitment to faithful stewardship withthe financial resources God hasentrusted to our care. It’s a passionateresolve to faithfully give 10 percent ofwhat God has given us back to Himthrough regular tithes. This is a call toget the students in the new StudentBuilding by faithfully giving to ReachingGeneration Now. And finally, it’s adesire to do all you can to use the 90

percent for His glory and in His will. Tohelp, we are offering Financial PeaceUniversity in the winter, spring, and fallto assist us in managing our money

more effectively for His purposes.Complete details on page 15.

GET LOUDERThe third call of commitment is in the

area of personal evangelism. When is thelast time you shared your faith? When wasthe last time you invited a neighbor, co-worker, or friend to church? In 2011, weare calling for all of us to get louder bysharing our faith and bringing others toChrist. This is a challenge for each of usto reach one person for Christ this year,bring them to church, and assist in theirbaptism. The goal is to see people eachweek in the baptistery with those theyhave led to Christ. We are committed as achurch family to help you do this by offer-ing multiple opportunities for you to learnhow to share your faith effectively. Make acommitment today to be a part of at leastone opportunity to sharpen your skills inpersonal evangelism. Some of the classesfor the winter and spring are listed below.

Living Louder: Sharing Your Faith inEveryday Life (beginning February 2)A six-session course taught byPastor Jeff W. Crook and Bro. ScottCrook on how to live an infectiousChristian life that consistently bringsothers to Christ. Don’t miss thisopportunity to hear how you canGET LOUDER in everyday life.

Becoming a Contagious Christian(beginning March 23)A six-session witness training coursethat is designed to help Christiansconfidently and effectively sharetheir faith. This proven action planwill show you how to impact thespiritual lives of friends, familymembers, co-workers, and others.

Go Fish (beginning March 23)

A six-session course developed byAndy Stanley that explores the motiva-tion behind sharing our faith. DiscoverGod’s heart for those who don’t knowHim and the role that we can play inintroducing others to Him.

GO FURTHERFinally, we are calling for all of us to

be committed to go further by becomingmore missional in our service. We werenot saved to sit; we were all saved toserve. This call to serve is a call to rampup our service within the body at Blacks-hear Place and around the world throughshort-term mission opportunities. Eachweek, hundreds of members serve in hun-dreds of ways, but are you doing all thatGod wants you to do? If you already serveonce a month, is God leading you to servetwice a month? Could He be calling youto do more? He is worth it. Have you everbeen on a mission trip? Could He becalling you to take your service “on theroad” and serve the King on one of themany short-term mission trips BlackshearPlace offers each year (see missionopportunities on page 10). Commit-ment to serve the Lord Jesus demands ourlife, our soul, our all.

In 2011, I’m committed to…

by spending time with God

each day.

by tithing and beingboldly committed to

RGN.

by sharing my faithand bringing others

to Christ.

by becoming more missional

in my service.

HOW ABOUT YOU? ARE YOU COMMITTED?

Impact | Winter 2011 7

in 2009, Blackshear place made abrave statement, that in the midst oftough economic times, we as achurch are Boldly committed to thestudents in our region. the goal is to provide the facility to reach thisgeneration for christ. as a result,reaching Generation now launcheda building campaign that will allowfor the construction of a state-of-the-art, 500-seat auditorium withsupporting classrooms, lobby, andstudent café. the church faithfullycommitted $1.5 million of the $1.6 million needed to finish seeingthis vision become a reality.

as we look toward this goal, weare committed to “get the studentsin the building.” the process toaccomplish this is as follows.$900,000 is needed to completephase 1 of construction, finishing the building exterior and providingeverything necessary for a function-ing 500-seat worship auditorium.another $700,000 is needed to continue construction of nine Biblefellowship rooms, to renovate currentfacilities, and to build the studentcafé. By God’s grace through yourfaithful giving, strong financial giftswill help us complete construction.

as the student ministry at Blacks-hear place continues to grow, theneed to complete phase 1 becomesmore urgent. thank you to everyonewho has invested in this project.people have given sacrificially fromtheir monthly income. Others havefound creative ways to get involvedby donating large-item gifts such asautomobiles, coin collections, andeven a mountain cabin. if you haveyet to join this incredible movement,there is only one thing to say: Whatare you waiting for? join us in ourbold mission to reach this genera-tion now!

f o llo w R G n www.rgnbpbc.com

blackshearplace

twitter.com/bpbc

text “bpbc” to 46786

reachinG GeneratiOn nOW

G i v i n Gphase 2» Bible fellowship rooms,

middle school renovation,& café

phase 1» exterior structure

& Worship room

$900,000 neededfOr phase 1

$1,600,000 needed fOr phase 2 and prOject cOmpletiOn

8 Blackshear Place Baptist Church

Over $500,000Given-tO-date

Impact | Fall 2010 9 Impact | Fall 2010 9

THE EXAMPLE OF

b a R n a b a s LIVES

In the Book of Acts, Barnabas shines as one of the most mature, reliable, loveable leaders ofthe early church. And Luke shows us how Barnabas’ trusted ministry began. He sold his fieldand gave all the proceeds to the apostles. In this story, he stands for the way true faith inChrist creates a bond of love for people and cuts a bond of love for things.

Blackshear Place has recently experienced this kind of love for Reaching Generation Now.Bo and Debbie Griffiths have only been members of Blackshear Place since August 8, 2010,moving to North Georgia after retirement. They fell in love with Blackshear Place and withthe need to reach teenagers for Christ. “Though we’ve been in several churches, we havenever been to a church that has as many committed youth, as does Blackshear Place. Ittouched our hearts to see the number of youth on any given Sunday or Wednesday,” theGriffiths commented.

This love was expressed in an amazing way in November 2010, as the Griffiths gave theirmountain cabin in Blue Ridge to Reaching Generation Now. Currently for sale, this cabin isvalued at $250,000 and represents the largest donation to RGN. “We don’t need praise —we don’t want praise,” they said. “We want God to receive ALL the glory! We realize first-hand we can never out-give God! Our simple prayer is that this will encourage others to follow God’s call and be boldly committed.”

This mountaincabin valued at$250,000 wasgiven to ReachingGeneration Now.

LOCALAtlanta :: Feed the Homeless February 7, October 3Approximate cost: $25

Atlanta :: Women’s and Children’s HomeMarch 4, April 14, June 6, August 18Approximate cost: $25

Eagle Ranch WorkdaysFebruary 26, September 24No cost

My Sisters Place WorkdaysFebruary 19, September 24No cost

NORTH AMERICANLoranger, Louisiana :: ConstructionFebruary 26 – March 5Approximate cost: $125

Red Lodge, Montana Sports Evangelism June 24 – July 2Approximate cost: $1,300

Anchorage, Alaska :: Student MinistryJuly 16 – 23Approximate cost: $1,400

Martinsburg, West VirginiaServant EvangelismJuly 30 – August 6Approximate cost: $950

INTERNATIONALNeuquén, Argentina :: Evangelismand Youth MinistryMarch 31-April 8Approximate cost: $1,500

Camp Shelly, Nicaragua :: Orphanand Evangelism MinistryJune 25 – July 2

Germany :: English Language MinistryJuly 10 – 24Approximate Cost: $1,900

Madrid, Spain :: Sports EvangelismJune 17 — June 25Approximate cost: $1,500

Uganda, Africa :: Orphan and Evangelism MinistryJuly 19 – July 29Approximate cost: $2,900

Republic of Georgia :: Student &Children Summer CampJuly 22 – 29Approximate cost: $1,800

Ghana, Africa :: Evangelism/ChurchPlanting and Medical MinistryJuly 22 – 30Approximate cost: $3,200

Karnataka, India :: Orphan andEvangelism MinistryAugust 21 – 29Approximate cost: $2,600

10 Blackshear Place Baptist Church

Reaching The WorldJASON NAVE, Pastoral/Missions Ministry

Impact | Winter 2011 11

2011 Soccer For boys and girls ages 4 years-5th gradeUpward Sports at Blackshear Place Baptist Church is a first-class sports experiencethat emphasizes healthy competition, sportsmanship, skills building, and funversus the “win-at-all-costs” mentality found in many children’s sports leagues.

Practice Information: Pre-K and Kindergarten will practice and play games onSaturdays; 30-minute practice with a 30-minute game. 1st-5th grade will have a 1-hour practice 1 day a week. All games are played on Saturdays. Registrationbegins January 9. Every player must attend one evaluation. Evaluation dates:Monday, January 24 between 6-8 pm or Thursday, January 27 between 6-8 pm.First practice: the week of February 28. Last game: May 14.

June 13–17A wild celebration of God'sunconditional loveDuring this high-energy week,children will learn that God notonly made us, but He has apurpose and a plan for all ofour lives. Each day includesBible learning, music, blacklight performances, crafts, andsnacks. Our goal is to guidechildren toward a solid under-standing of who Jesus is sotheir hearts are ready to puttheir faith in Him. Don’t justsign up your children, sign upyourself as well! Volunteer tohelp with VBS by calling the

First Grade Bible PresentationSunday, January 23, 6:00 pm First grade is when we as achurch begin teaching basicBible skills, such as the books of the Bible, chapter location,and how to find specific verses.To assist children with thedevelopment of their Bibleskills, we present each firstgrader with a full Bible. EachBible will contain the child'sname and will be signed byPastor Jeff. This event is for allfirst graders and their families.Beginning at 4:30 pm, the children and their families will betreated to snacks and picturetime with Pastor Jeff in the Kidz Theater. Sign up by callingthe Children’s Ministry Office at 770-534-7058, ext. 226 byWednesday, January 19.

2 YEARS -YOUNGER THAN 3 YEARS

Puggles learn that they are a unique creation of God andthat He loves them very much.

3 YEARS - PRE-K

Cubbies have age-appropriate scripture memory, storytime, music, and games

KINDERGARTEN – 2ND GRADE

Sparks meetings combine learning with fun to createan atmosphere of irresistible excitement.

3RD – 5TH GRADE

T&T meetings are divided into three segments of excit-ing, team-oriented fun through games, story time, andhandbook work.

Awana Clubs meet onWednesday nights during the

school year from 6:30–8:00 pm. Weoffer programs for every age group from 2 years – 5th grade(childcare is available for children 6 weeks – 2 years). Please call thePreschool or Children’s Office for more information, or to registeryour child. Call 770-534-7058 (Preschool ext. 222, Children ext.

Monday evening study, led by Sarah Rigdon, will begin Monday, Feb. 28

Tuesday morning study, led by Earlene Richardson, will begin Tuesday, March 1.

Registration is $20 for thespring semester.

12 Blackshear Place Baptist Church

Ladies Spring Bible StudiesBeginning Monday & Tuesday, February 28 & March 1

2011 Ladies Night OutSunday, February 27 /// Cost $15Simplicity: It seems the modern woman’s life containseverything but this. We are challenged to be it all, do it all, and of course, all with a smile. Join us forLadies Night Out as we learn to break free from life’spressures and find freedom in the simplicity of follow-ing Christ. Drawing from her experiences as a wife,mother, grandmother, and teacher, our guest speaker,Lisa Reavis, will show us how to live life unhinderedthrough God’s Word.

“since we are surrounded by such a great cloud ofwitnesses, let us throw offeverything that hinders and the sin that so easilyentangles. And let us runwith perseverance the racemarked out for us.”

HEBREWS 12:1

Impact | Winter 2011 13

Support & RecoveryMinistryBlackshear Place Baptist Church offers a ministry forlife’s hurts, habits, andhang-ups. Chance2 is asupport and recoverynetwork for peopledealing with life’s chal-lenges, such as strugglingwith character flaws, past feelings from abuse,relationship issues, oraddictions of any kind.

Mondays5:30 pm Meal ($4 for Adults, $1 for Kids)

6:30 pm Worship7:00 pm Group Meetings8:30 pm 2nd Chance Café

College Students and Singles Worship7-9 pm TuesdayKidz TheaterSeventoNine is aworship experiencecustomized for collegestudents and youngsingle adults. Join uson Tuesday nights forfree coffee, dynamicmusic, and messageson issues you’re facing.Meet at the Bridge at 7 pm for fellowship andthen worship in thetheater at 7:30 pm. Formore information, visitwww.seventonine.com.

14 Blackshear Place Baptist Church

Student Summer CampMay 30 – June 3 Cohutta Springs Conference Center, Crandall, GACost: $350Discounts are available

We are passionate about student camp!Students in grades 6-12 will enjoy a weekof adventurous thrills, new friendships, and deeper insights into God’s Word.Our prayer is that this will be a life-changing experience that will leave eachstudent passionate about his or her relationship with Jesus Christ! Get anearly bird discount by paying your $50 nonrefundable deposit before the endof January. Other discounts are available.

Senior Graduation Banquet Thursday, May 5, Cost: $10Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier Islands

Pastor Jeff and the Student Ministry of BlackshearPlace would like to invite all graduating high schoolseniors to a special banquet to celebrate theirachievements. Along with a spectacular meal, we’ll share memories thatare sure to make youlaugh or shed atear, and we’ll heara word of encour-agement fromPastor Jeff.

Chicks in the MorningBegins February 2

Rise and shine! Join Ms.Sarah as we share breakfastand Bible study on Wednes-day mornings at Chick-fil-Aat Spout Springs. For moreinformation, check out ourFacebook group, BPBC HighSchool Girls.

Senior Graduation Recognition ServiceSunday, May 15

Pastor Jeff and Blackshear Place Baptist Churchwill honor our graduating high school seniors inboth the 9:30 am and 11 am services. To haveyour senior included in the services, please turnin a picture with the student’s name on the backto the church office no later than May 1.

For more information, or to sign up for any of these events, contact the Student Ministry Office at 770-534-7058.

Inside Out WeekendApril 15 – 16, Cost: $20

Join us at our second annual Inside Out Weekend, designed todiscuss real issues faced by real girls and learn to live from theinside out. Our theme this year is Devoted. We can becomedevoted to many things, and we need to learn to be devoted tothe right things. This high-energy weekend has something foreveryone. We will begin the weekend on Friday night with anexciting kickoff filled with great music, a challenging message, anddoor prizes. We will meet back on Saturday morning for someincredible breakout sessions. This is a weekend you don’t want tomiss. Sign up by the end of January to get the early bird discount!

Impact | Winter 2011 15

APersonal Connection

with Jesus ChristIn 2 Corinthians 6:2, the Bible says, “Today is theday of salvation!” Are youcertain that you have apersonal relationship withJesus? If not, we encour-age you to take a fewminutes and read below.Jesus wants to connectwith you today.

How to Receive the Free Gift of Eternal Life

>Admit that your sin separates you from a Holy God. “All havesinned and fall short of the gloryof God.” (Romans 3:23)

>Believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again to pay for yoursins. “God demonstrates Hisown love toward us, in that whilewe were yet sinners, Christ diedfor us. ” (Romans 5:8)

>Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, repenting(turning away) from your sin.“If you confess with yourmouth Jesus as Lord, andbelieve in your heart that Godraised Him from the dead, youshall be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

The free gift of eternal life(Heaven) is yours onlythrough faith in Jesus Christ(Ephesians 2:8-9). Receive itby trusting Him today andpraying the prayer of salvation.

PrayerLord Jesus, I confess that I ama sinner. I repent of my sinsand ask you to come into myheart, save me, and be theLord of my life. Amen.

If you just prayed this prayer,we are so very excited for you.Please call our EvangelismOffice at 770.534.7058 (218)and let us help you in yournewfound faith in Christ.

Radio ScheduleListen to our previous week’s worship service!

Sunday Evenings 9:00 – 10:00 pmWDUN 550 AM

Blackshear Place Baptist Church3428 Atlanta HwyFlowery Branch, GA 30542

770.534.7058770.534.0199 faxOffice Hours Mon. – Thurs. 8 am – 5 pm, Fri. 8 am – 12 pm

www.bpbc.com